On August 10, 2025, Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has announced that all foreign residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are now eligible to obtain a tourist visa on arrival at any Kuwaiti entry point.
The decision, issued by Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah and published in the official gazette Kuwait Al-Youm, is effective immediately. Under the new regulation, eligible visitors will receive a 90-day tourist visa, provided they hold a valid residency permit in one of the five GCC member states – Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, or Oman – with at least six months of remaining validity.
Key Policy Changes
- Expanded Eligibility: The new rule replaces a 2008 regulation that limited visa-on-arrival access to select professions such as doctors, engineers, and executives.
- Broader Access: Approximately 25 million foreign residents across the GCC are now eligible to benefit from this visa policy.
- Visa Duration: Tourist visas issued under this policy are valid for up to 90 days.
Kuwait’s Broader Visa Reforms
This move is part of Kuwait’s broader effort to liberalize its visa policies and attract more visitors. Over the past 15 months, the country has:
- Eased family visa rules, allowing expatriates to bring close relatives for short-term visits.
- Simplified hotel sponsorship, enabling hospitality providers to sponsor tourists more easily.
- Streamlined business visa issuance, making it easier for companies to host foreign partners and investors.
Kuwait already offers visa-on-arrival or e-visa access to nationals from many countries in Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia, including China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.
What This Means for Travelers and Businesses
This policy change significantly enhances travel flexibility for foreign professionals, families, and business travelers residing in the GCC. It also signals Kuwait’s intent to position itself as a more accessible destination for tourism and commerce within the region.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.